SYMBIOCITY KENYA TO FUND MBITA TOWN CHANGE PROJECT
The Kenya SymbioCity programme held a four day joint workshop for Homa Bay and Kisumu working groups to develop an integrated change project for sustainable development in Mbita and Ahero towns.
The four day workshop from 28th November
-2nd December, 2017 was held at Sarova Lion Hill, Nakuru, bringing together a team of stakeholders from both counties. Lands, Housing and physical planning Chief officer, George Opiata led team Homa Bay while Steve Sule led the Kisumu team of stakeholders.
SymbioCity advisor and facilitators Ms. Karin Eberle and Mats from Stockholm with a team from the council of Governors steered the workshop program that culminated in each county presenting their change project proposals that now await implementation in 2018.
Team Homa Bay came up with the “Mbita Town Change Project” with the goal “To enhance the lives of Mbita Town residents by making the town clean, safe, socio-culturally vibrant and attractive to business, investment and tourists.”
The SymbioCity has contributed Ksh25.7million towards the Mbita town change project to be implemented in 2018 with the county government contributing Kshs 23 Million towards the SymbioCity Fund.
Mr. George Opiata the chief officer for Lands, Housing, Urban & physical planning said the County government is keen to make this vision a reality.
“We will by end of 2018 develop Mbita urban spatial plan to guide sustainable development of Mbita town,” said Mr. Opiata
Homa Bay County beach management unit chairman Edward Oremo, a stakeholder at the workshop was motivated by the project objective to ensure the safety of the fisher folk.
“The plan to equip our fisher folk with life-saving jackets and other safety equipment will improve safety at the lake and prevent unnecessary accidents that have led to loss of lives recently,” said Oremo.